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A RealTrends ranking signifies that a real estate agent is among the top 1.5% of professionals in the United States, based on independently verified sales data from the previous year. This recognition, compiled in partnership with Tom Ferry International, is a strong indicator of an agent's experience and high-volume transaction capability. For home buyers and sellers, an agent with this credential has demonstrated a proven track record in the market.
How Does an Agent Qualify for the RealTrends Ranking?
The RealTrends "America's Best Real Estate Professionals" list is not a subjective award. To qualify, an agent must meet stringent, objective performance thresholds for the given calendar year. For the 2022 ranking, the minimum criteria were either closing at least 40 real estate transactions or achieving a sales volume of $16 million. This data is independently verified, ensuring that only the most successful agents are included. This means that ranked agents have substantial, proven experience navigating complex market conditions.
Why Should Home Buyers and Sellers Care About This Recognition?
From a consumer's perspective, a RealTrends ranking is a valuable filtering tool. With over 1.5 million real estate agents in the country, choosing the right professional can be daunting. This ranking provides a data-driven starting point. An agent on this list has not only met high sales benchmarks but has also undergone an independent verification process. This offers a level of assurance regarding their market activity and business acumen. Based on our experience assessment, working with a top-performing agent can provide significant advantages in terms of pricing strategy, negotiation skills, and efficient transaction management.
Understanding the Different Levels of Recognition
The RealTrends list has tiers of achievement. While being named to "America's Best Real Estate Professionals" is a significant accomplishment, a smaller group receives a higher distinction: inclusion on "The Thousand," which ranks the top 1,000 agents and teams nationwide. This represents an even more elite level of sales performance and market share. The following agents were recognized at this level for their 2022 performance, demonstrating exceptional results in their respective local markets:
| Agent Name | Market | National Rank (The Thousand) |
|---|---|---|
| Laxmi Penupothula | San Francisco, CA | #223 |
| Melissa Kingsbury | Chicago, IL | #34 |
| Mandy Kaur | Maryland | #81 |
| Hazel Shakur | Maryland | #118 |
| John Litrenta | Chicago, IL | #218 |
Choosing the Right Real Estate Professional for You
While sales volume and transaction count are important indicators of an agent's activity, they are just one part of the selection process. A top-tier ranking demonstrates business success, but the best agent for you will also have specific expertise in your neighborhood, property type, and price point. When evaluating a highly-ranked agent, it's essential to interview them to assess communication style, marketing strategy, and overall compatibility.
The core takeaway is that a RealTrends ranking is a credible, third-party validation of an agent's performance. It objectively separates a small percentage of agents based on their closed sales data. When combined with personal interviews and references, this recognition can be a powerful factor in selecting a real estate professional who can effectively guide you through the significant financial transaction of buying or selling a home.
